SIGNED PIERRE ROUVIER ANTIQUE FRENCH MINIATURE HAND PAINTED

Dear collectors, Noblesse-Collection is pleased to propose you this fine and expressive French 
portrait miniature of a gentleman, painted circa 1795–1805 and signed “Rouvier” in the lower right.

The sitter is represented bust-length against a restrained brown-grey background. He is a mature gentleman 
with grey hair, wearing a sober brown coat with a high turned collar and an elaborate white cravat.

The portrait is particularly striking for the sobriety, confidence and strongly individualised character of 
the sitter. Unlike the more elegant and powdered aristocratic portraits of the Louis XVI period, this gentleman 
is represented with remarkable restraint, reflecting the profound changes in masculine appearance and 
portraiture that followed the French Revolution.

His austere dress, dignified bearing and self-assured expression are highly characteristic of the French 
Revolutionary and Directoire periods. Although the sitter remains unidentified, his appearance could 
suggest a man involved in public or political life, possibly even a deputy during the Directoire. 
This interpretation is naturally offered only as a possibility and does not constitute a documented identification.

The artist has rendered the mature features of the sitter with considerable sensitivity and realism, particularly 
the eyes, complexion and subtle expression, giving the portrait a strong psychological presence.

The miniature is clearly signed “Rouvier” at lower right and is a work by the French miniaturist 
Pierre Rouvier (circa 1742–circa 1815).

Pierre Rouvier

Pierre Rouvier was born in Aix-en-Provence around 1742 and died around 1815. He was a renowned 
French miniature painter and portraitist active during the second half of the 18th century and the beginning 
of the 19th century.

Protected by the Marquis de Marigny, brother of Madame de Pompadour and an important patron of the 
arts under Louis XV, Rouvier established a reputation as an accomplished portrait miniaturist.

His early work shows the influence of the celebrated Swedish-born portraitist Pierre Adolphe Hall, while 
his later style became closer to that of Louis-Marie Sicardi. His portraits are distinguished by their precision, 
delicate modelling and sensitive observation of individual character.

Rouvier portrayed members of French high society, including aristocrats, officers and members of the 
bourgeoisie. His known sitters also include the celebrated architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot.

Works by Pierre Rouvier are preserved in important museum collections, including the Musée du Louvre 
in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The miniature is presented under glass in an antique circular black wooden frame with a gilt-metal inner 
surround.

Artist: Pierre Rouvier (circa 1742–circa 1815)
Signature: “Rouvier”, lower right
School: French School
Period: Circa 1795–1805
Style: Directoire / Consulate – Neoclassical
Subject: Portrait of a gentleman, possibly a public or political figure of the Directoire period

Condition:
Good antique condition with expected signs of age. Please examine the photographs carefully as they 
form an integral part of the description.

A particularly interesting signed portrait by Pierre Rouvier, distinguished by the sitter's austere 
elegance, confident expression and strong individual character, perfectly reflecting the transformation 
of French portraiture in the years following the Revolution.

Without the frame : Diameter 6,0 cm 2.36 in.
with the frame : Diameter 10,0 cm 3.94 in.

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Free of customs duties and charges for USA! 
( An "antique statement" of Work of Art of more than 100 years old is joined to the invoice)
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ABOUT NOBLESSE COLLECTION 

Based in Le Mans, France, Noblesse Collection has been specializing in antiques and works of art for over 13 years.Our collection reflects a particular taste for fine antique silverware, especially French pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside portrait miniatures, paintings and carefully selected decorative objects.We are constantly looking for pieces with character, whether for their quality, rarity, craftsmanship or simply their decorative appeal. Each object is individually selected with the aim of offering distinctive and authentic pieces at fair and carefully considered prices.

Quality and condition are particularly important to us.
Our silverware is carefully inspected and professionally cleaned when necessary by an experienced silversmith based in Le Mans.We also pay great attention to the packing and shipping of every item. Each piece is carefully protected using professional packing materials and several layers of protection to ensure that it reaches you safely.Orders are usually dispatched within 24 hours of receiving payment, together with an invoice. We ship worldwide using FedEx, with secure and fully tracked delivery.

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Should you encounter any problem with your purchase or delivery, please contact us and we will respond as quickly as possible. We remain responsible for your parcel until it has been safely delivered to you.We accept returns within 30 days of delivery. If you change your mind for any reason, return shipping costs will be covered by us. Once the item has been received and checked, your refund will be processed promptly.

Buy with confidence from Noblesse Collection — 13 years of experience in sourcing and selling distinctive antiques and works of art.